Page 109 - Bugle Autumn 2014

ACF engagement
Over the last 2 years 6 RIFLES have developed closer links with the ACF across the South West. This is a result of a desire to develop links and work alongside one of the pillars of the Regiment at a time when the Regiment is focussed on developing closer links with local communities;
the ACF offers an
opportunity to engage
with an enthusiastic,
committed, capable
cohort of young people.
of the training year. The exercise allows cadets to step up from operating at section level and work in a fully formed platoon, with the Pl HQ and section commanders provided by 6 RIFLES.
For the second year, on a dark, windy and wet Friday night in February Army Cadets from
Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Avon, Dorset and Devon arrived at Okehampton Training Camp unsure what they had let themselves in for. Despite the appalling weather the
enthusiasm and commitment of the cadets never waned. As more and more of the kit was unloaded and issued to the cadets so their eyes grew wider. With ammunition and rations issued it was time to bed down in the hanger before an early hours deployment onto Dartmoor. Again simple things, such as the use of a MAN SV to move the cadets, was met with excitement and gratitude, even in the early morning Dartmoor drizzle.
A day of section attacks and recce
A wet participant
patrols followed whilst the weather continued to worsen. By the evening
the weather had got so bad, with driving rain and winds gusting over 60mph, the decision was made to bring the cadets
in for the night; much to the cadets’ disappointment. A decision vindicated by the appalling weather overnight. However, the next morning training continued with platoon deliberate attacks on Yes Tor. The watching visitors had to lie prone to stop being blown off the Tor; estimates have
the wind gusting at 90mph! However,
this failed to stop the cadets and further demonstrated their robustness, tenacity and commitment.
6 RIFLES have further developed their support to the ACF this year by introducing an Adult Instructor training package
and have incorporated cadets into unit
level training exercises as the OPFOR.
Both initiatives have provided further opportunities for cadets to develop their skills and integrate them into the wider regimental family. 6 RIFLES support to
the ACF will continue over the next 12 months and we look forward to seeing what Dartmoor will throw at us next year.
43 Ex Bde Ops Room
During the last 2
years 6 RIFLES have
formalised links with
ACFs at company and
platoon level. Lower level support includes assistance to training, loan of equipment and the provision of officers to conduct Detachment Annual Inspections. As part
of our commitment to the ACF 6 RIFLES deliver an annual training exercise for senior cadets on Dartmoor. It is designed to develop their knowledge and understanding of infantry platoon tactics, whilst also exposing them to equipment which the Army Reserve and Regular Army take for granted, but for a cadet can be the highlight
A light gun sounds the start
During the last 2 years 6 RIFLES have formalised links with ACFs at company and platoon level
A wet participant
Exercise WYVERN TOR (Ten Tors Challenge)
The Ten Tors Challenge is organised
by the Army, specifically 43 (Wessex) Brigade, from its Moor Group Headquarters at Okehampton Camp.
It is assisted by the Royal Navy (with manpower and helicopters), the Royal
Air Force and the Dartmoor Rescue Group: between them they oversee the participants and ensure that none come to lasting harm.
6 RIFLES is the lead unit whose responsibility includes the setting up and public safety of over 4000 participants and their support teams. This transformation of Oakehampton Camp starts in earnest two weeks before the event takes place and is assisted by 20 Regular RAART troops who construct what looks like a mini Glastonbury!
In parallel with the Jubilee Challenge,
the Ten Tors Challenge takes place annually in May and is limited to 2,400 individuals – four hundred teams of six teenagers. The teams, depending on age, face hikes of 35, 45 or 55 miles (56, 72 or 88km) visiting ten nominated tors over two days. The teams must be self-sufficient, carrying all that they
(probably parents, too!) must inevitably pray during the week leading up to the event for fair weather on the day!
No Riflemen could fail to be impressed with the total commitment and drive that these young people show throughout this event. It was wet, windy and cold. It feeds
the soul to see such physical and mental strength from today’s youth who generally get tagged as the Play Station nation. This
is a great event and long may we as Rfn support it!
As the event’s Founder once said: “If there is anything
more important than the will to succeed, it is that the will shall not falter.”
need to complete
their route safely
despite the terrain
and the weather. The
latter can be very
changeable and at
times quite extreme,
and success or failure
can depend very
much on the extent to which a team has been trained for all eventualities. Every team manager and every team member
“If there is anything more important than the will to succeed, it is that the will shall not falter.”
THE RIFLES
SIXTH BATTALION 107